Dog-Friendly Beaches in Florida

Located in Fort Myers Beach, between the Lovers Key State Park entrance and the New Pass Bridge, is Dog Beach Park, one of the most beautiful dog beaches in Florida and completely free of charge. Dogs are allowed to run off-leash in the sand and splash in the water while their humans are relaxing in the sand. There is a doggy shower for rinsing sand off, but there are no other facilities and the bathroom is portable. No alcohol or glass containers are permitted on the beach. The owners are responsible for cleaning after their pets. If you want to fish from the shore while your dog is having fun, you need to apply for license.

8800 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Located in Islamorada, on Lower Matecumbe Key between Key Largo and Key West and hidden discreetly under an overpass, is Anne’s Beach, one of the very few public beaches in the Keys. The beach has two free but tiny parking lots, a large, shallow swimming area, shaded picnic tables, and bathroom facilities. The beach is wonderful for wading and strolling but is too shallow for swimming. The best news: The beach is pet-friendly and dogs love getting soaked and running around in the sand. The beach is quiet and secluded and protected from waves, perfect for a day in the sun, surrounded by mangroves. The owners are responsible for cleaning after their pooches.

Mile Marker 73.5, Lower Matecumbe Key, Islamorada, FL 33036

Atlantic Beach Dog Park is located on Aquatic Drive in the city of Atlantic Beach. To use the beach, the owners have to apply for membership with proof that their dogs have up-to-date vaccinations. Members can bring along guest dogs as long as they are vaccinated as well. There is a separate fenced area for small dogs, although dogs may use the area for large dogs at the owner’s discretion. There is fresh drinking water both for dogs and their humans. The park has benches where people can socialize and rest, a swimming pond for dogs, a rinsing station, poop bag dispensers, and trash cans. The dogs have to be on a leash while walking along the public beach until they are inside the park.

Atlantic Beach, 268 Aquatic Drive, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

De Soto National Memorial Park is located about 5 miles from Bradenton, Florida. The 26-acre park is located on a peninsula surrounded by the Manatee River on three sides. Most of the shore, especially on the east side, consists of small sandy beaches.

The park’s coastline is 3,000 feet long and consists mostly of mangroves. There is a great trail running through the park that is very popular with nature enthusiasts, hikers, bikers, and dog owners. Dogs are allowed in the park and on the beaches, but they have to be on a leash. The park is home to many protected plants and animals and the leash ensures that your dog does not interfere with the wildlife or gets injured by other animals.

8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34280

Davis Island is an archipelago that consists of three small islands, with nice views and easy access to Tampa. There is a 2.5-acre designated dog park divided into two parts: One on dry, grassy land that is fenced, and an unfenced part across the road on the beach area that has 200 feet of waterfront where dogs can run free. Both parks have water spigots for drinking water and for rinsing off the sand. There is a bit of shade and some benches for humans. Both parts of the park are very popular and are often full of dogs. Their owners are responsible for cleaning after them and for ensuring that they behave.

Davis Island Dog Beach, 864 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, Phone: 813-274-8615

Honeymoon Island is a small barrier island across St. Joseph's Sound from Crystal Beach, Palm Harbor, and Ozona. Dunedin is located on the mainland and is the closest to town. The entire island is a state park, with about 4 miles of shoreline, covered in fine white sand, where beach lovers can enjoy a range of activities.

There are designated swimming areas, a pet beach on the south end, and a great beach to the north that is full of colorful shells and perfect for long walks. There are showers near the boardwalks. While part of the beach is designated for dogs, they are not allowed to run or swim without a leash. Nevertheless, the beach is long and nice walks along the water are enjoyed by both dog and owner.

Honeymoon Island State Park Dog Beach, 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698

Flagler Beach is a small town on the Atlantic coast of Florida, between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. The beach is spectacular, wide, and 6 miles long, with lots of colorful shells and enough space for everyone. Out of season it is great for long walks and collecting shells, and visitors often have the beach to themselves. The part of the beach north of N. 10th street and south of S. 10th street is considered a dog beach, but the dogs have to be on an 8-foot leash. There are no facilities, no water, and no doggy bags, so it is up to the owners to provide water for their pets and to clean up after them.

2700 Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

Most of life in Fort Lauderdale revolves around its 7-mile-long spectacular golden sand beach. Lined by a popular and always lively boardwalk, it is the place to hang out, people-watch, or take your dog for a walk. There are several spots on the beach designated for dogs. Residents can purchase an annual permit for their use and visitors can pay for a weekend permit. At Canine Beach, north of Sunrise Boulevard on A1A , near 1269 North Fort Lauderdale, dogs are allowed on the sand between November and March from 3 pm to 7 pm and from April to October from 3 pm to 9 pm. At A1A Dog Walking beach, on the west side of A1A, from Sunrise Boulevard south to the intersection of Seabreeze and Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevards, you can walk your dog on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, April to October from 3 pm to 9 pm and November to March from 3 pm to 7 pm. Dogs are allowed on the west side of A1A north of Sunrise Boulevard all day. At Riverwalk Linear Park, 20 N. New River Drive, from S.W. 5th to S.E. 2nd Avenues in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, dogs are allowed every day, all day, without fees.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Hollywood is a small city on the east coast of Florida between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Beautiful Hollywood Beach is lined with stately palm trees and backed by the lively Hollywood Beach Boardwalk. Hollywood dogs are really lucky, with six beaches where they can enjoy sand and surf: John Williams Park, Hollywood Dog Park, Oakridge Park, Poinciana Park, Emerald Hills Lakes Park, and Dog Beach at Hollywood Beach. To use any of the dog beaches, dogs have to have rabies tags and the owners have to purchase a day pass or a six-month pass. Dog owners are responsible for appropriate behavior and must clean up after their pets.

Hollywood, Florida